Monday marked the Dallas Cowboys’ first training camp practice in Dallas after a three-week stay in California, two preseason away games, and a joint practice session in Oxnard.
And Cowboys Nation turned out in droves for an in-person look at their team.
This is how much fans missed football. We are talking practice. They turned fans away I was told at one practice in Oxnard because too many #Cowboysfans showed up pic.twitter.com/L2Y0CK9p5Z
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 16, 2021
Quarterback Dak Prescott is hoping to see some action this Saturday night when the Cowboys play host to the in-state rival Houston Texans. But fresh off a follow-up MRI that confirmed his right shoulder is healing from a muscle strain according to schedule, the club is understandably taking it slow with their $160 million man.
@dak Prescott has rejoined the @dallascowboys practice, but in a limited fashion only. He’s throwing to receivers in drills, but won’t take part in any competitive periods against the defense. Cowboys maintaining their cautious approach. pic.twitter.com/GvfCzcOHnQ
— Joe Trahan (@JoeTrahan) August 16, 2021
Dak Prescott going through individual drills, throwing 20- to 25-yard passes with zip on them to CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper. Doesn’t seem to be holding anything back
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 16, 2021
Wide receiver Amari Cooper also made his way back to the practice field after using the Oxnard leg of camp of continue rehabbing from offseason ankle surgery. Fans and teammates alike were happy to have the 27-year-old back in the mix.
CeeDee Lamb on Amari Cooper’s return to practice: “I told him welcome back. It’s always good to see him out there and I took a couple of tips from him obviously and just seeing him move around as usual, like normal, is good.” After a couple of catches, the fans yelled, “Cooooop.”
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 17, 2021
Cowboys WRs CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper met to side today for portion of practice. Lamb: “I was just asking him about a release that he had hit. He was giving me the rundown, putting me in his shoes, his mind. …He gave me the clues as far as how to move a guy, just be deceptive.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 17, 2021
With Prescott merely easing his way back into throwing, backup Garrett Gilbert got in a good bit of work, including a long scoring pass to tight end Jeremy Sprinkle…
Gilbert ➡️ @sprinkle_memane #CowboysNight pic.twitter.com/3YY80vA6Ks
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 16, 2021
…and then another to tight end Blake Jarwin.
Tight End Night @ The Star
Garrett Gilbert found Jeremy Sprinkle untouched on a leak concept for a 35-40yd TD. Very next play, GG hit Blake Jarwin down the seam for another six.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 16, 2021
Gilbert also led the offense in a two-minute drill that ended successfully with CeeDee Lamb making yet another gorgeous grab.
Here’s the TD throw from Garrett Gilbert to CeeDee Lamb in the final seconds of the two-minute drill
(Video: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/oyw3rJWrUS
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 17, 2021
But Monday night was also a chance for several defensive stars to show out, including the newest Cowboy. Safety Malik Hooker made quite the first impression with a tip-drill takeaway of a Ben DiNucci throw.
Hello, Malik Hooker.
He's running with the 3's during team right now. Ben DiNucci slant route was broken up by Nahshon Wright and popped 10 feet into the air, and Hooker got over to run underneath it. Pick-six.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 16, 2021
And rookie linebacker Micah Parsons continues to turn heads with his versatility and blazing speed.
It is hardly a development; Cowboys knew of LB Micah Parsons' speed when drafting him. But there are moments every practice when Parsons is a total blur, seemingly moving at fast forward relative to everyone else on field. Almost comical to watch him close on a quarterback.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 17, 2021
While Parsons looks to already be the leader of the Cowboys linebacking corps, former safety Keanu Neal may be pressing veterans Leighton Vander Each and Jaylon Smith earlier and harder than some anticipated.
It's still very early, but Keanu Neal looks at home at linebacker.
The depth the #Cowboys have at that position is absolutely insane.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 16, 2021
Yes, football is back in Frisco. Fans wanting to get a glimpse of the team for themselves have three more chances to attend open practice: this Friday (August 20th) at 10:15 a.m., next Friday (August 27th) at 11:15 a.m., and next Saturday (August 28th) at 10:15 a.m. All practice sessions are on local Dallas time, and all feature free admission.
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